Service Enterprise Initiative

A Service Enterprise is an organization that fundamentally leverages volunteers and their skills across all levels of the organization to successfully deliver on its social mission. As a Service Enterprise Hub, the NYIC leads cohorts of organizations through a process developed by the national organization Points of Light to build their capacity to operate in this way.

Less than 15% of organizations nationwide can be characterized as Service Enterprises. Nonprofits that operate as a Service Enterprise run on almost half the median budget than those nonprofits that do not leverage volunteers across all levels of their organization. When an organization leverages volunteers, managing them effectively, it is in a better position to grow.

During the year-long certification process, participating organizations will have access to:

A thorough research-based assessment of existing organizational volunteer engagement practices called the Service Enterprise Diagnostic (SED).

Up to 16 hours of training to assist in reimagining the ways in which the organization engages volunteers.

Up to 10 hours of individualized coaching to address unique organizational opportunities and challenges.

National certification through Points of Light, signifying the organization’s commitment to and proficiency in appropriately leveraging the time and skills of volunteers to meet the social mission of the organization.

The NYIC 2018 Cohort

Currently, NYIC member organizations who operate in New York City and who are selected to be part of the 2017-2018 cohort will participate in the program for FREE, through a partnership with NYC Service.